8 Fun Things To Do in Gualala

Perched on the northern edge of Sonoma County’s Pacific Ocean coastline and nestled into craggy bluffs at the mouth of the Gualala River, the peaceful village of Gualala welcomes you with pleasant weather year-round.

Known locally as the “banana belt,” Gualala’s unique location benefits from fresh ocean winds that clear the fog and allow the sun to shine. On days when other coastal areas are foggy, you’ll often find blue skies and California sunshine in Gualala. This coveted climate makes it the perfect place to recharge on the beach, in the water, or amid the colossal trunks of ancient redwoods.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Gualala:

1. See the Pygmy Forest

One of the world’s coastal wonders, the Pygmy Forest in Salt Point State Park is a unique stand of mature but miniature Bishop pine, Bolander pine, Mendocino cypress, and even redwood trees (normally the world’s tallest living things).

Although some of the trees are more than a century old, they’re only a few feet tall due to the climate inhibiting full development. The 3.8-mile Pygmy Forest Trail loop takes you to the petite trees through an evergreen forest, grassy prairies, and in many seasons, abundant mushrooms and wildflowers.

2. Explore the Arts

The Gualala region teems with excellent artists — painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers, photographers, writers, glass workers, jewelry makers, potters, and more. Many are former city folks who are happier pursuing art in this scenic landscape that fuels creativity.

You can enjoy their work through changing monthly exhibits at the Gualala Arts Center and its Dolphin Gallery. The Center also hosts performances throughout the year, featuring chamber music, jazz, lectures, and theater, as well as festivals such as the Whale & Jazz Festival and Art in the Redwoods. Check the Gualala Arts Calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

3. Hike Dunes and Coastal Bluffs

With its vast expanse of light-sand beaches and dunes, Gualala Point Regional Park offers the opportunity to stroll beside the Gualala River as it travels seaward. Enjoy a refreshing walk, soak up the views, admire sea glass and shells, dip your toes in the ocean, stack driftwood, explore sand dunes, or sit back and daydream. You can even try your hand at fishing if the season is right.

4. Watch for Whales

The park’s Bluff Top Coastal Access Trail offers many magical sights as it meanders along the cliff. Take a moment at Whale Watch Point to see if you can catch a glimpse of passing gray whales cresting over the waves. Follow the river away from the shore to a freshwater marsh and redwood groves that shade lush sword ferns and vibrant rhododendrons.

5. Taste Coastal Flavors at Gualala Restaurants

For a small town, Gualala has a pretty impressive food scene, with many eateries showcasing fresh-caught seafood and other locally sourced delights.

With many options, make sure to head to Gualala Seafood Shack for fish and chips, clam chowder, and fish tacos that get rave reviews. The restaurant is fun, fast, and fresh, with fish sourced directly “from the ocean out back.” Doesn’t get more local than that!

6. Relax at the River

Bring a picnic lunch to the Gualala River and kick back to watch the river move lazily along. Explore the gravel bar and have your camera ready: Osprey swoop for fish, leggy herons step through the shallows, and you may even spot river otters diving and splashing.

7. Get Your Paddle On

Bring your kayaks and canoes — the Gualala River is also is a pleasant waterway to put your paddles in and leisurely explore at your own pace. Before jumping in, make sure to see Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities.

8. Camp in Gualala’s Redwoods

Camping in Gualala River Redwoods Park is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you snuggle up in a tent or a cozy RV, you’ll go to sleep under indigo skies sprinkled with stars and wake up beneath towering redwoods.

Listen to the birds sing while you weave through the forest on the park’s trails — one pretty path leads to the beach. You’ll have access to fire pits for roasting s’mores, ping pong tables, cornhole boards, and more. 

If the season is right, bring gear to cast for steelhead trout or ocean fish from grassy bluffs. If you have a kayak to bring, float down the river all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez